A.B.C-Z
A.B.C-Z (エー.ビー.シー-ズィー) is a Japanese boy band renowned for its acrobatic performances and high-energy dance routines, managed by Starto Entertainment.[1][2] The group originally formed in 2001 as A.B.C., an acronym for Acrobat Boys Club, and later rebranded to A.B.C-Z to reflect its expanded lineup and artistic direction.[3] Under the former Johnny & Associates (now Starto Entertainment), A.B.C-Z achieved a unique position in the J-pop landscape by emphasizing physical feats alongside musical output, debuting via DVD on February 1, 2012, with Za ABC 〜5stars〜.[2] This non-traditional entry marked the start of their official promotions, following years of stage appearances and junior group activities.[2] The group celebrated its 10th anniversary in February 2022 with the "Z PROJECT" initiative, highlighting their evolution from acrobatic trainees to established performers.[4] Originally a five-member unit, A.B.C-Z consisted of Ryosuke Hashimoto, Fumito Kawai, Shota Totsuka, Koichi Goseki, and Ryoichi Tsukada, with Hashimoto joining in 2008 to complete the "Z" addition to the name.[2][3] Kawai departed on December 21, 2023, during a performance at Tokyo's Imperial Theatre, leaving the remaining four members to continue group activities while pursuing individual endeavors in television, stage, and variety shows.[2] Notable for their versatility, members like Tsukada have competed in athletic challenges such as SASUKE in 2023, while others contribute to dramas and musicals.[2][5] A.B.C-Z has released multiple albums and singles through Pony Canyon, including the 2022 compilation BEST OF A.B.C-Z, the June 2025 EP ROMANTIC!, and the October 2025 album CRAZY ROMANTIC!, featuring tracks like "Just Romantic!" and "Temptation Border."[6][2][7] Their discography emphasizes upbeat pop with thematic ties to romance and energy, often accompanied by visually striking music videos.[2] The group maintains an active presence on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where they share performances and behind-the-scenes content to engage fans.[8][9] Despite a delayed mainstream breakthrough compared to contemporaries, A.B.C-Z's signature blend of athleticism and charisma has solidified their niche as innovators in Japan's idol scene.[2]History
2001–2007: Formation and early years as A.B.C.
A.B.C. was formed in 2001 under Johnny & Associates as a junior group initially consisting of five members: Shota Totsuka, Fumito Kawai, Ryoichi Tsukada, Yudai Tatsumi, and Yuki Koshikawa, with a primary focus on singing, dance, and acrobatic performances.[10][11] By 2002, Tatsumi and Koshikawa had departed, and Koichi Goseki joined the remaining trio of Totsuka, Kawai, and Tsukada, solidifying the four-member lineup. The members underwent intensive training to develop their skills as part of the agency's junior system, which emphasized stage presence and group synchronization.[11] During their early years, A.B.C. primarily supported senior acts by serving as backup dancers in concerts and events, contributing to the agency's tradition of multi-generational performances.[10] This role allowed the group to gain experience at major venues, including Tokyo Dome shows for established Johnny's groups such as KAT-TUN and NEWS from 2003 to 2005. They also participated in Johnny's Jr. concerts and the 2004 stage production "Summary of Johnny's World," a revue-style show featuring over 100 juniors that highlighted the agency's history through medleys and choreography, later released on DVD in 2005.[12] As a junior unit, A.B.C. established distinct image colors to represent each member: blue for Goseki, pink for Totsuka, violet for Kawai, and yellow for Tsukada, aiding in visual branding during group appearances.[13] These early activities solidified their foundation within the agency, preparing them for expanded roles while maintaining a focus on polished dance routines and vocal harmony.[10]2008–2011: Expansion to A.B.C-Z and pre-debut activities
In 2008, Ryosuke Hashimoto, formerly a member of the Johnny's Jr. unit J.J. Express, joined the existing group A.B.C., prompting a rebranding to A.B.C-Z to emphasize the incorporation of advanced acrobatic elements, with the "Z" representing zero gravity in their performances.[14] This expansion built on the original quartet's foundation in singing and basic acrobatics by adding Hashimoto's dynamic skills, transforming the unit into a five-member ensemble focused on multifaceted entertainment.[15] Hashimoto was assigned the representative color red, while Fumito Kawai, a founding member with expertise in acrobatics, was designated violet (purple) as part of the group's color system to highlight individual roles during live shows and fan interactions.[16] These assignments helped distinguish members visually in performances, aligning with the acrobatic theme by associating colors with their stage presences. From 2009 onward, A.B.C-Z engaged in pre-debut activities as Johnny's Jr., including backup dancing for senior group Arashi's concerts such as the Dream "A" Live tour, where they supported high-energy routines with their emerging acrobatic flair.[17] They also appeared in Johnny's Jr. television specials, showcasing synchronized dances and flips to build visibility within the agency's ecosystem. In October 2011, the group launched their first radio program, "A.B.C-Z no Keitai de Nemurenai," providing a platform for casual talks and fan engagement ahead of their official debut. During this era, A.B.C-Z refined their signature acrobatic routines, integrating aerial silks for suspended maneuvers and trampoline acts for high-flying rotations, which were first demonstrated in internal Johnny's Jr. events to hone precision and group synchronization.[18] These elements, including 360-degree swings on aerial trapeze setups, set the foundation for their distinctive style, emphasizing physical prowess over vocal focus in early showcases.[19]2012–2018: Debut, rise to prominence, and 5th anniversary
A.B.C-Z officially debuted on February 1, 2012, with the release of their debut DVD single Za ABC2019–2022: Continued success and challenges
In 2019, A.B.C-Z released their sixth studio album, Going with Zephyr, on August 7, which featured a mix of upbeat tracks and reflective songs highlighting the group's acrobatic style and vocal harmonies. The album was supported by the A.B.C-Z Concert Tour 2019 Going with Zephyr, a nationwide tour that culminated in a performance at Makuhari Messe on August 16, drawing thousands of fans and showcasing elaborate stage productions with aerial stunts.[25] Earlier that year, the group issued the single "Black Sugar" on March 27, marking their continued presence in the J-pop scene amid growing popularity.[26] The year 2020 brought the release of their seventh album, CONTINUE?, on September 16, which included new material composed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized themes of perseverance.[27] This period tested the group's adaptability, as live tours were curtailed by global health restrictions; however, A.B.C-Z hosted their first Christmas concert, A.B.C-Z 1st Christmas Concert 2020 CONTINUE?, in December, incorporating virtual elements and limited in-person attendance to maintain fan engagement while adhering to safety protocols. These efforts demonstrated the group's resilience, allowing them to connect with audiences through online streaming and hybrid formats during 2020 and 2021, when many traditional concerts were postponed or canceled across the entertainment industry. By 2022, A.B.C-Z marked their 10th anniversary with the A.B.C-Z 10th Anniversary Tour 2022 ABCXYZ, running from August to September and concluding at Pia Arena MM, featuring medleys of past hits and new performances that celebrated their career milestones.[28] The tour's success underscored their sustained appeal, with sold-out shows reflecting strong fan loyalty despite ongoing external pressures.[29] Throughout this era, A.B.C-Z navigated significant challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted live events and required innovative virtual adaptations to sustain momentum. Additionally, revelations in 2023 about sexual abuse by the agency's late founder, Johnny Kitagawa—who died in 2019—cast a shadow over the period, as earlier rumors and internal awareness had begun affecting the company's operations and public perception starting in the late 2010s.[30] These issues culminated in the agency's rebranding to Smile-Up in October 2023, separating victim compensation efforts from talent management, which was transferred to the newly formed Starto Entertainment; this transition, while post-2022, stemmed from mounting scrutiny that influenced group activities and industry partnerships during the prior years.[31] Despite these hurdles, A.B.C-Z's focus on music and performances exemplified their determination to endure, prioritizing fan connections amid adversity.[32]2023–2025: Member departure and recent milestones
In September 2023, A.B.C-Z announced that member Fumito Kawai would depart the group on December 21, 2023, to focus on solo work as a master of ceremonies while continuing his affiliation with the agency's talent roster.[33] The group proceeded as a four-member unit, marking a significant transition in their lineup.[34] Following the restructuring of Johnny & Associates, A.B.C-Z transitioned to Starto Entertainment in 2024, which assumed responsibility for their artist management after the agency's split into Smile-Up for reparations and Starto for ongoing promotions. This shift aligned with Starto's full operational launch in April 2024, enabling the group to resume concerts and media activities under the new entity. The group released their first EP, 5 Stars, on November 29, 2023, featuring re-recorded tracks and new material produced by longtime collaborators, serving as a farewell project with Kawai's involvement.[35] In August 2024, they issued their eighth studio album, F.O.R, comprising 19 tracks that explored themes of change and resilience amid the group's evolving dynamics.[36] A.B.C-Z launched their Concert Tour 2024 F.O.R in mid-2024, performing across venues including Orix Theater in Osaka, Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, and Nagoya International Conference Hall, with shows emphasizing acrobatic elements and new album promotions.[37] A live recording of the tour, capturing the final performance, was released in digital and Blu-ray/DVD formats on March 19, 2025.[38] Building on this momentum, the group unveiled their second EP, Romantic!, on June 25, 2025, containing seven songs including the single "Hiri Hiri" and focusing on upbeat, thematic explorations of romance.[39] Their ninth studio album, Crazy Romantic!, followed on October 29, 2025, expanding on the EP's motifs with 15 tracks that blended pop and energetic performances.[7] In tandem with the album release, A.B.C-Z announced their Concert Tour 2025 Crazy Romantic! in 2025, scheduled to kick off on November 3 at Kumamoto Castle Hall, with subsequent dates at Orix Theater in Osaka on November 17 and Kanadevia Hall in Tokyo, highlighting their continued live presence as a quartet.[40]Members
Current members
Koichi Goseki is the leader and main vocalist of A.B.C-Z, born on June 17, 1985. He joined the group in 2002 after its initial formation as A.B.C. (following the departure of original members Yuki Koshioka and Yudai Tatsumi) and has been instrumental in its vocal arrangements and creative direction.[17][11] Shota Totsuka serves as the lead dancer and acrobat, born on November 13, 1986. As a founding member since 2001, he has been key to the group's signature acrobatic performances that highlight the unit's dynamic stage presence.[17][11] Ryoichi Tsukada is the main rapper and acrobat, born on December 10, 1986. Joining as a founding member in 2001, he brings high-energy rap verses and specializes in trampoline-based routines, drawing from his gymnastics background showcased in group concerts and his appearances on obstacle challenge programs like Sasuke.[17][11][41] Ryosuke Hashimoto is recognized for his visual appeal and acrobatic skills, born on July 15, 1993. He joined A.B.C-Z in 2008, prompting the name change from A.B.C. to A.B.C-Z, and has contributed to the group's international outreach through performances and fan engagements.[17][11]Former members
Fumito Kawai (河合 郁人, Kawai Fumito; born October 20, 1987) was a founding member of A.B.C., the precursor to A.B.C-Z, joining in 2001 as part of the original five-member acrobatic unit alongside Shota Totsuka, Ryoichi Tsukada, Yuki Koshioka, and Yudai Tatsumi.[17] Representing the group's purple color, Kawai played a pivotal role in establishing A.B.C-Z's signature acrobatic style, including aerial stunts and wire acts that defined their pre-debut and early performances.[42] As an acrobat, he contributed to the development of these high-energy elements for stage shows that highlighted the group's athletic prowess and set them apart in the idol landscape.[17] Kawai participated in all of A.B.C-Z's concert tours through 2023, bringing his expertise to live productions that blended singing, dancing, and gymnastics.[33] On September 21, 2023, Starto Entertainment announced Kawai's departure from A.B.C-Z, effective December 21, 2023, to allow him to pursue solo opportunities with greater focus.[33] The decision stemmed from his personal goals to advance as a host and MC, as well as expand his acting endeavors, which he felt required dedicated time outside group commitments.[33] Despite leaving the group, Kawai remains affiliated with Starto Entertainment as a solo talent.[34] Kawai's exit marked a significant transition for A.B.C-Z, prompting a shift to a four-member formation beginning with their 2024 tours and activities, while preserving the group's acrobatic legacy through the remaining members' performances.[33]Discography
Studio albums
A.B.C-Z's studio albums showcase the group's signature blend of pop, acrobatic-inspired performances, and thematic storytelling, often reflecting their journey from formation to evolution as performers. Their discography emphasizes original full-length releases that highlight member contributions in songwriting, production, and choreography, with tracks frequently incorporating upbeat rhythms and motivational lyrics tied to their acrobatic roots. The albums are released under Pony Canyon, with recent works managed by Starto Entertainment following the agency's rebranding. The following table lists all studio albums with release dates, selected chart peaks, and first-week sales where available.| Title | Release date | Oricon peak | First-week sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| from ABC to Z | March 12, 2014 | 4 | 39,000 |
| A.B.Sea Market | May 13, 2015 | 1 | — |
| ABC Star Line | July 20, 2016 | 3 | — |
| 5 Performer-Z | June 21, 2017 | 2 | — |
| VS 5 | May 23, 2018 | 4 | — |
| Going with Zephyr | August 7, 2019 | 2 | — |
| CONTINUE? | September 16, 2020 | 4 | 29,094 |
| F.O.R (full title: F.O.R - In the Midst of a Changing Era, I Want to Dance with You Who Shines) | August 21, 2024 | 4 | — |
| Crazy Romantic! | October 29, 2025 | 5 | — |
Extended plays
A.B.C-Z released their first extended play, 5 Stars, on November 29, 2023, marking a post-anniversary project following their 11th year as a group. The EP, available in three editions, features six core tracks across limited editions and eight in the regular edition, blending high-energy rock, nostalgic collaborations, and live-recorded elements to showcase the group's acrobatic roots through dynamic instrumentals. Key producers include Kusano Kayoko and CHOKKAKU for the lead track "BRAND NEW LEGEND," a fast-paced anthem, while tracks like "OVERHEAT" were handled by Dojima Kohei and Sumigama Tomohiro. The EP debuted at number 2 on the Oricon weekly album chart, reflecting strong fan support amid the group's evolving lineup.[35]| Track | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BRAND NEW LEGEND | Lyrics/Composition: Kusano Kayoko; Arrangement: CHOKKAKU |
| 2 | OVERHEAT | Lyrics/Composition: Dojima Kohei; Arrangement: Sumigama Tomohiro & Dojima Kohei |
| 3 | JODEKI! | Lyrics: Saiji Shota; Composition/Arrangement: Saiji Shota, Ohii Yudai, Funayama Motoki |
| 4 | #IMA | Lyrics/Composition: Okki Makki; Arrangement: Tsukazaki Yohei |
| 5 | Graceful Runner | Lyrics/Composition: Kusano Kayoko; Arrangement: CHOKKAKU |
| 6 | オリジナルストーリー | Lyrics/Composition: Okki Makki; Arrangement: Tokunaga Akito (live-recorded with band) |
| 7 (Regular only) | Carry on Carry on | Produced by LEGO BIG MORL team; Arrangement: Ikuta Makoto |
| 8 (Regular only) | fragrance | Lyrics/Composition/Arrangement: Ide Koji |
| Track | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Just Romantic! |
| 2 | Temptation Border |
| 3 | Call my number |
| 4 | ラッキールーレット (Lucky Roulette) |
| 5 | 君色 Shiny Days (Kimi Iro Shiny Days) |
| 6 | 不完全な逃避行 (Fukanzen na Touhikou) |
| 7 | ヒリヒリさせて (Hiri Hiri Sasetete) |
Singles
A.B.C-Z debuted with a series of DVD singles in 2012, marking their entry into the music market under Johnny & Associates (now Starto Entertainment). These early releases emphasized their acrobatic and performance-oriented style, often topping the Oricon DVD chart. Transitioning to CD singles in 2015, the group achieved their first number-one on the Oricon weekly singles chart with "Moonlight Walker," which sold 80,225 copies in its debut week and featured B-sides like "Smiling Again" and an A.B.C-Z medley track.[50] Their second CD single, "Take a '5' Train" (released June 22, 2016), peaked at number three on Oricon with 33,588 first-week sales and included the coupling track "Sekai Ichi."[51] The 2017 single "Reboot!!!" celebrated the group's fifth anniversary, debuting at number one on Oricon with 55,652 copies sold and coupling "Koi no Yozora" as a romantic B-side.[52] During the COVID-19 pandemic, releases like "Cheat Time" (March 18, 2020, peaked at #2) and "Ganbare, Tomoyo!" (October 21, 2020)—a motivational track with ties to personal perseverance themes—provided uplifting content amid challenges, with the latter featuring B-sides focused on friendship and resilience. Recent years have seen a shift toward digital formats, including the 2024 physical-digital hybrid "Kimi ja Nakya Dame Nanda" and 2025 digital singles like "Cocktail," a romantic ballad written by Anna Takeuchi.[53] The following table lists all singles chronologically, including formats, notable coupling tracks or tie-ins, and available Oricon peak positions/first-week sales for context on commercial impact. Positions corrected based on verified sources; N/A where data unavailable.| Release Date | Title | Format | Notable B-sides/Tie-ins | Oricon Peak (First-Week Sales) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2012 | Za ABC | DVD | N/A (debut single; promotional tie-in for group formation) | #1 DVD Chart (N/A)[54] |
| September 12, 2012 | Zutto Love | DVD | N/A | #1 DVD Chart (N/A)[55] |
| March 6, 2013 | Twinkle Twinkle A.B.C-Z | DVD | N/A | #1 DVD Chart (N/A) |
| July 10, 2013 | Walking on Clouds | DVD | N/A | #1 DVD Chart (N/A) |
| November 20, 2013 | Never My Love | DVD | N/A | #1 DVD Chart (N/A) |
| July 9, 2014 | Legend Story | DVD | N/A (tie-in with stage production) | #1 DVD Chart (N/A) |
| January 7, 2015 | SPACE TRAVELERS | DVD | N/A | #1 DVD Chart (N/A) |
| March 16, 2016 | Hanakotoba | DVD | N/A | #1 DVD Chart (N/A)[56] |
| September 30, 2015 | Moonlight Walker | CD | Smiling Again; Love Letter; A.B.C-Z Title Songs Medley | #1 (80,225)[50] |
| June 22, 2016 | Take a "5" Train | CD | Sekai Ichi | #3 (33,588)[51] |
| February 1, 2017 | Reboot!!! | CD | Koi no Yozora | #1 (55,652)[52] |
| December 13, 2017 | Shuuden wo Koete ~Christmas Night / Bounenkai! Bou! Nen! Kai! | CD | Two title tracks (holiday-themed double A-side) | #4 (N/A)[57] |
| August 29, 2018 | JOY Shitai Kimochi | CD | N/A (tie-in with anniversary celebrations) | #2 (44,070)[58] |
| March 27, 2019 | Black Sugar | CD | N/A (drama tie-in for "Ohsama ni Naritai!") | #2 (N/A) |
| September 25, 2019 | DAN DAN Dance!! | CD | N/A | #2 (N/A) |
| March 18, 2020 | Cheat Time | CD | N/A | #2 (N/A) |
| October 21, 2020 | Ganbare, Tomoyo! | CD | Friendship-themed couplings | #3 (N/A) |
| April 14, 2021 | Nothin' but Funky | CD | N/A | #3 (N/A) |
| September 1, 2021 | Natsu to Kimi no Uta | CD | Summer romance B-sides | #3 (N/A) |
| June 29, 2022 | Graceful Runner | CD | N/A | #4 (N/A) |
| October 26, 2022 | #IMA | CD | Contemporary tie-ins | #4 (N/A) |
| June 5, 2024 | Kimi ja Nakya Dame Nanda | CD/Digital | N/A | #4 (N/A)[59] |
| November 27, 2024 | Hirihiri Sasete | CD/Digital | N/A | N/A (N/A)[59] |
| August 22, 2025 | Cocktail | Digital | N/A (romantic ballad) | N/A (N/A)[53] |
| September 19, 2025 | Unrequited Love | Digital | N/A | N/A (N/A)[60] |